God is Personal

John writes to encourage believers not to sin. He then immediately offers reassurance for when they do fall short. He introduces Jesus as their advocate —a word meaning "one who comes alongside to help." The closest parallel might be a defense attorney arguing in court. It’s as though Jesus stands before the Father, defending believers when they sin. John explains Jesus can defend them because he is the atoning sacrifice for sin (1 John 2:2). The word "atoning" describes how Jesus absorbed God's judgment on sin when he died on the cross. Jesus paid the penalty that sin demanded. Because of his sacrificial death, Jesus can advocate for believers by declaring to the Father, "I paid for that sin."